Breaking the Code

Part One: Loyalty

Chapter Four

Saturnus sat at his desk, head in his hands. Fools, he thought bitterly. I am surrounded by utter fools! An insistent bleeping started and, with annoyance, he got up and went over to the atmospherics control panel on the wall by the window. Attaching a small box-like device to it, he waited as the electronic signals coming from the Lair's secondary operating systems were translated into a more intelligible pattern. His jaw tightened when he recognised the ident-code.

"You called, yesss?" came a gruff voice.

"Damn right I did," Saturnus growled. "Tell me, Slithe, exactly which part of 'scramble your communication signals' didn't you understand?"

"What?"

"Don't play stupid with me. This is your Overlord you're speaking to, not some ever-living corpse."

"But I carried out your inssstructionsss to the letter, Overlord."

"Did you?" Saturnus snorted. "Then why am I holding a record of every contact you've made over the last few months?"

"You are? Who found out?"

"That cretin of a white tiger you used to scrap with."

"Bengali?" Slithe said, the surprise echoing in his voice.

"Yes, him. And if he can find it, so can anyone else. Think yourself lucky I was able to intercept this." Saturnus vented his frustration on the wall, thumping it with his fist. So close, and this had to happen. "I can clear up matters here," he said, "but I expect you to rectify the situation your end."

"I'll get Vultureman on it. What about this peace meeting, yesss?"

"Goes ahead as planned. You know exactly what to say?"

"Yesss, Overlord." There was a slight pause as if the Mutant was relishing his next question. "Should I expect any trouble from our dear Lord of the Thundercatsss?"

Saturnus thought back to his earlier conversation with his nephew, when Lion-O had come to him and confided the truth of his failing eyesight. He had made all the usual sympathetic noises and told him that he would stand by him in his hour of need. Lion-O had been almost pathetically grateful, meekly agreeing that in the interests of the peace and Thundera his condition was best kept a secret. He had even thanked him when he had left. Saturnus couldn't help feeling pleased with himself. Fear, like death, was a great leveller, affecting king and pauper alike. Desperation could drive a person to do the unthinkable. He had seen that same fear in Lion-O eyes and knew that his hold over him was complete. He would do as he was told when the time came.

"No, Lion-O will be no trouble, I can assure you," he replied.

"But what about Bengali? Should I include him in the plansss?"

Saturnus could almost see the nasty smile curling Slithe's lips. An idiot, certainly, but not without his uses. "No. Stick to my original plan for now. When the time comes, he will have to be eliminated."

"Excellent, Overlord," Slithe chuckled.

Contact over, Saturnus closed the channel and removed the device. Curse that tiger, he thought. Even stuck out in the middle of nowhere, he had to cause trouble. With a sigh, he wandered back to his desk. As he reached it, there was a knock at his door. At his call, it opened to reveal Liodella.

"Yes, what is it?" he said tersely.

She took several hesitant steps into the room and stood before his desk with downcast eyes. "I need your help, my lord," she said in a quiet, shaking voice.

Saturnus sighed and sank down into his chair. "What now?"

"Lion-O has said that I am to be left in charge in his absence," she said, clearly uneasy about the prospect. "I wondered if you could help me."

In many ways, he mused, Liodella was perfect. Meek and malleable, he sometimes wondered whether she had any brains at all under those sandy tresses. Granted, it did suit his purposes perfectly. She took direction from him and never questioned his orders, whether that involved sleeping with him or marrying his nephew. But that didn't stop her being tiresome, like now.

"Didn't Lion-O explain that you could appoint a deputy to help you?" Saturnus said wearily.

She nodded. "Yes, it's about that choice that I want your advice."

"Lion-O hasn't told you who to appoint?"

"No. He said it would be good experience for me to make my own decision."

Saturnus considered for a moment. This was an unexpected bonus. A chance to sidestep those irritating Thundercat friends of his for someone of his choosing. Someone who would be valuable in the future. But before he could speak, much to his surprise, Liodella continued.

"I have been giving it some thought," she said, taking a piece of paper from her pocket and consulting it. "Obviously, it would have to be someone with experience, so I did some checking on the files of available people."

"Jagaro," Saturnus interrupted her. "He will be your deputy."

"Actually, I thought Lynx-O might be better."

"You 'thought'?" he roared, slamming his fists onto the desk. Liodella jumped at his fury and a look of fear came into her eyes. "How dare you!" Saturnus raged, rounding the table and grabbing the frightened lioness by the arms. "Every thought in that vacant head of yours, I put there! You think what I tell you and you do what I tell you. Do you understand? Well, do you?" He shook her roughly, making sure that his meaning was emphatic.

"Yes, I understand," she said in a small, breaking voice.

"You understand what?"

"I understand, my lord."

"Better," he grunted, releasing his grip on her arms. His manner changed, tempering anger with tenderness, as he gently brushed a tear from her cheek. She flinched at his touch, reminding him to ask of the other matter that was on his mind.

"Tell me, Liodella, are you pregnant yet?"

She sniffed heavily and choked back her tears. "I don't know. I am late."

"Then hadn't you better find out for certain?"

"Yes, my lord."

He put his hand under chin and forced her to meet his gaze. "Does your husband sleep with you yet?" She gave a small shake of her head and tried to look away, but he held her firmly. "Then I suggest you find a way, Liodella. I think he might be suspicious if you are found to be with cub in an unconsummated marriage, don't you?"

"But I can't," she whimpered.

"Yes, you can," he insisted, "unless you want to be thrown out onto the streets like a common whore."

"But it's not me he wants."

Saturnus released her and returned to his chair. "I know," he said, leaning back and closing his eyes. "Never fear, I have a cure for that. When this peace is finalised, you may find Lion-O a little more susceptible to your charms, such as they are." He turned his attention to his paperwork, only to become aware of her continued presence. "Go on, get out!" he snapped. "And stop that snivelling. How can you expect anyone to want a red-faced wretch like you?"

She darted away, leaving Saturnus to toss down his pen in disgust and reflect once more on his unhappy lot at being surrounded by a pack of witless fools.

***************

Daybreak was less than an hour away when Lion-O trudged into his quarters. Yawning, he stretched and started to shed his clothes, tossing them onto the bed. Strange, he thought, noticing that it hadn't been slept in. He had spent what remained of the night in a chair in the Council Room thinking over what Jaga had told him and of his subsequent meeting with his uncle. Sleep had been impossible. Instead he had been forced to face some difficult truths. However, at this still early hour, he hadn't expected Liodella to be up yet. Normally, he crept in, showered, grabbed a change of clothes and got away before she awoke. Now she wasn't there and he was surprised that he actually missed her. A month of getting used to seeing her things about the bedroom and bathroom had somehow produced a silent acceptance of her presence, however much he resented the situation.

For now, he was left wondering at her absence, trying to ignore the guilty conscience whispering in his ear about the negligence of his mate. He couldn't deny the fact that he knew she was lonely. Most days, she wandered about the Lair like a mournful ghost. The only friend he was aware she had made was Snarf and that, he suspected, was partly to get at him. Snarf, even as ill as he was, could still be a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to supporting worthy causes. He had had to grudgingly promise the little creature to do better once this business with the Mutants was settled, and Snarf had left it at that. For the time being, at least.

Despite his piqued curiosity, he was determined to face the day ahead refreshed and clean, and so he wandered to the door of the bathroom, only to find it stubbornly unyielding. He pushed it several times, then realised that it was locked from the inside.

"Anyone in there?" he called.

He caught the sound of shuffling and running of water, and then the lock clicked and the door opened. Liodella came out, patting her face dry on a towel. "Sorry," she murmured. "I didn't expect you here so early." She took the towel from her face, only to avert her eyes quickly when she saw that he was naked, save for his trunks. "I'll get dressed and go," she said.

Once more, guilt nagged at his conscience. "No, take your time," he said. "I'll only be a minute. I just want to freshen up before we leave." He headed into the bathroom, stopping to wonder for a moment at his automatic reaction at locking the door. The stinging water of the shower was good for the soul, scouring his body clean and bringing clarity to his weary mind. The day could only go downhill from here, he thought ruefully. Stepping out of the shower and part drying himself, he wandered out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped round his middle to find clean clothes had been placed on the bed. A few seconds later, the door opened and Liodella appeared, with a red bundle in her arms.

Colour rose to her cheeks when she saw him and, to hide it, she busied herself with putting the bundle on the bed with more care than the task demanded. "This was sent up for you," she said.

"The full rig-out, I see," said Lion-O, lifting the gold-trimmed uniform up for inspection. "I haven't worn this since, oh, let me see."

"Since we were married," Liodella reminded him. "I'll go."

"Wait," he called after her as she headed for the door. "Are you all right? I couldn't help but notice you seemed upset earlier."

She managed a small smile. "No, I'm fine."

"Did you spend all night in there? I notice the bed hasn't been slept in." This time there was a momentary hesitation and her reply was enough to make Lion-O believe she wasn't being entirely honest with him.

"Well, can I help?" he offered. Liodella shook her head and once more headed for the door. Only when the light from the corridor fell upon her did he realise that she was wearing a thin dressing gown. "Haven't you finished dressing?" he asked.

"I'll wait till you're finished."

"No, you won't," he said, gathering up his clothes. "Can't have you running about the Lair half naked. You come in here. I'll get changed in the bathroom."

She gave him a grateful smile and waited while he bustled himself away. Closing the bathroom door behind him, he couldn't tell who was the more embarrassed at having to share a room. One of them was going to have to get over their natural modesty or they would never get together. And, with Jaga's devastating pronouncement still ringing in his ears, it was more vital than ever that they did.

By the time he emerged from the bathroom, Liodella had changed into a dark blue ankle-length dress and was brushing her mane. She looked up when he came in and quickly got to her feet.

"Well, do I pass muster?" he asked. She nodded. "You reckon? I feel like I'm ready for a fancy dress party." Fidgeting with the neck of his top, he reflected not for the first time that ceremonial dress was intended to be uncomfortable if only to keep the wearer awake during the tedium. The usual blue of his uniform had been replaced with white and too much emphasis, he thought, had been placed on gold decoration. Inspecting his reflection in the mirror, he sucked in his stomach and made a mental note to cut down on the fruitcake, knowing full well that he couldn't entirely blame the laundry for the tightness of his waistband.

"Tell me honestly, Liodella," he sighed. "Does my bum look big in this?"

She giggled for the first time in his presence. A little of the guilt drifted from his soul at that happy sound. "No, you look very handsome," she replied, when she finally managed to control herself.

"The cloak should cover the worst of it." He took up the bundle from the bed, spreading out the swathes of red material to find the top, and then tried to fix it to the clasps on his shoulders. Trying to work from his reflection proved impossible and the cloak fell from his fumbling fingers.

"Here, let me," offered Liodella.

Sitting on the bed so she could reach his shoulders, he watched her in the mirror as she knelt behind him and deftly attached the cloak. The touch of her delicate fingers on his neck was almost electric and, now looking at her afresh, he wondered how he could ever have resented being married to her. Busy in her task, her face lost its sadness and he saw beauty in her high cheekbones, bright amber eyes and sleek full mane. She caught him watching her and looked away quickly. Closing the last clasp, she began to move off the bed, but Lion-O reached up and caught her hand.

"Liodella, I've been thinking about things lately," he said. Still behind him, her eyes met his in the mirror and he thought he detected there a flash of apprehension. "I know that I've behaved badly towards you and I want to make amends, if you'll let me." Something like relief showed in her eyes and, encouraged, he continued. "When I get back from this peace meeting, I want things to be different between us. We'll take it slowly. You know, go out together and get to know each other and, well, we'll take things from there. What do you think?"

A smile twitched the corners of her lips and, to his surprise, she threw her arms around him and snuggled her head against his neck. "It's just what I've always wanted," she said. "I thought you hated me."

"Why would I hate you?" he said gently. "I've just had a few things on my mind lately."

"I'm so glad," she murmured. "I thought I would never know what it is to have a mate and a family."

"We'll work on it, okay?"

He felt her nod against his neck and on impulse he reached up and stroked her mane. At his touch, she lifted her head, putting her hand over his. Feeling the weight of her stare, he turned and met her eyes. For a moment, uncertainly sparked between them until on impulse he pulled her towards him. Her breath was hot on his lips, as tingling as her lemon-scented presence. Then, he kissed her and she reciprocated with deep longing. He slid her around onto his lap and took her in his arms. Her hands wandered down his neck and onwards over his chest, leaving a pleasant sensation where they had touched. He held her closer, enjoying the soft feel of her fur beneath his fingers, until...

"Oooo-er!"

The unexpected sound ended the moment. Liodella sighed and settled down into the comforting embrace of his arms, resting her head on his chest. It was not necessary to disturb her, as he already knew the identity of the intruder.

"What is it, Snarfer?"

"Begging your pardon, Lion-O," came his little voice, ringing with his obvious embarrassment at barging in on a private moment, "but the Leaders say they are ready to leave when you are."

"Of all the times," he muttered, idly brushing an errant strand of mane from Liodella's face. There would be time for this when he got back. Except he couldn't escape the feeling that his time was running out. Soon, the darkness would rob him of the sight of her smiling face and pleasing silhouette, and all he would have left would be memories.

"Okay, Snarfer, tell them I'll be down in a minute," he said. The little creature scuttled away, leaving Lion-O to slide out from underneath her. "I'll be back, I promise," he said, getting to his feet. "And things will be different, especially when I remember to lock that door. Are you coming to see us off?"

She nodded and pushed herself up. He took her hand and slipped it through his arm. As they started down the corridor, he was surprised how natural it felt to have her at his side. Not for the first time, he wondered how she would cope with being left in charge.

"Have you decided yet who you want to be your deputy?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yes, I thought Jagaro would be a good choice."

Lion-O felt his eyebrows rise in surprise. "Jagaro?"

"You disapprove?"

"No," he said, trying not to undermine her fragile confidence. The jaguar wouldn't have been the first name that sprang to mind. He was capable and willing, a fine addition to the Thundercats' team. Something about his earnest manner worried Lion-O, but it was no reason to discount him as Liodella's deputy. "I just wondered why you chose him."

"I gave it careful thought," Liodella answered. "I went through the files and narrowed the possibilities down to a select few. I settled on Jagaro, because he often had to help defend his colony in exile and is highly regarded by his people. Also, I thought he might be more willing to take orders from me than a more experienced person."

"No one will question your authority," Lion-O reassured her. "I think Jagaro is a good choice. I don't anticipate any problems while I'm gone, but if there are and you feel out of your depth, don't hesitate to call on the other Thundercats. They will help you." Actually, he suspected that there were going to be a few grumbles over this. The choice would automatically be assumed as his, regardless of Liodella's explanation, which he thought reasonable if perhaps a little weak when better choices were more readily evident. He just hoped they would be charitable and forgive her youth and inexperience.

By the time they reached the hangar, his thoughts had turned far beyond the confines of Thundera and were reaching out to the distant planet of Ursa. So it was a surprise when Liodella slipped her arm from his. He caught her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"A show of solidarity, right?" he said.

She smiled at him, a mixture of gratitude and wonderment filling her eyes. "You're nothing like your uncle, are you?" she said.

"Am I not?" Lion-O said, surprised at such a comparison. "I strive to be."

"No," she said, a little sadly. "Stay as you are, Lion-O." She stretched up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Be careful out there."

"I will," he promised. "Come on, let's get this over with."

The hangar was busier than usual, with crowds of technicians trying to work around the waiting Leaders at the foot of the flagship. A hush descended when they entered. Saturnus caught Lion-O's eye and nodded at his gesture to wait a few minutes more. Sending Liodella to join the waiting nobles, he wandered over to a small gathering standing by the wall.

"Well, here goes nothing," he said to them. "Wish me luck."

The reaction from his friends was mixed. Panthro and Lynx-O nodded sagely, while WilyKat and Snarfer gave him the thumbs-up. WilyKit tried to stifle a giggle and failed miserably.

"You look ridiculous!" she sniggered.

"I thought he looked quite good, yes sir!" Snarfer piped up.

WilyKit smiled mischievously and poked Lion-O in the stomach. "I think someone's put on a little weight."

"It's shrunk."

"Yeah, right."

The door opened and Cheetara hurried in, pushing a wheelchair in which sat Snarf. Bengali followed at a more sedate pace and all three came over to where they stood.

"Couldn't let you go with saying goodbye," said Snarf. "Come here." Obligingly, Lion-O knelt and Snarf gave him a hug. "You be careful when you're out there with those nasty Mutants, snarf, snarf. Don't rightly agree with all this business myself, but I suppose it's for the best."

"He'll be fine, Snarf, don't fret so," said Panthro. "As long as he keeps his wits about him."

"I don't think the Mutants will try anything on Ursa," Lion-O said, rising to his feet. "Thundera is another matter. I know Liodella is in charge, but promise me that you'll all keep an eye on her."

"Isn't that what her deputy's for?" WilyKat muttered. "Who is it, anyway?"

Lion-O took a deep breath. "Jagaro."

"Excuse me?!" Bengali spluttered. "Jagaro? He's been a Thundercat for only a year and suddenly he's Liodella's deputy? Are you serious!"

"The choice was hers," Lion-O explained tolerantly, trying to quell rising annoyance at the tiger's attitude. "I can't question her decision."

"Oh, fine. So the Lord of Thundercats is happy to be leaving Thundera in the hands of a total creep?"

"Bengali, that's enough," Lynx-O said. "Jagaro is very able to take on this role. It is good that the younger generation gets a chance to prove their worthiness. We will assist all we can, if needed."

"What about me?" Bengali returned. "I'm the younger generation too. Or don't I count any more?"

Lion-O rolled his eyes out of sheer exasperation. Something more than plain resentment at the promotion of a newcomer echoed in the tiger's words. As usual, they were rapidly veering off the subject and onto well-worn territory. But before he could answer, Cheetara spoke up.

"Jagaro," she said quietly. "Wasn't he on the same refugee ship as Jageena?"

"I believe so. I understand that all the jaguars lived together in exile. Why? What's the problem now?" He immediately regretted his sharp words when he saw the haunted look that came into her eyes. "Look," he said heavily, "I'll only be gone a few days. I'm sure you can all cope till I get back. I know we would all like things to be how they were, but this isn't-"

"Third Earth," Bengali angrily finished for him. "Don't we know it!"

"Then you'll just have to deal with it, won't you?" Lion-O retorted. "Frankly, I'm getting fed-up with this attitude of yours, Bengali."

"Don't think it's not mutual!"

"I'm not the one with the problem!"

"Oh, really?" Bengali said tartly. "You're a spoilt brat who can't get what he wants and you take it out on us. You try dealing with it, Lion-O, and do us all a favour!" With that, he turned sharply on his heel and headed out of the hangar.

Lion-O watched him go, feeling the sting of his words like a whiplash across his soul. The others said nothing, and his reeling mind fixed on the notion that it indicated their complicit agreement. Anger flared and vented itself in rash words.

"Haven't you all got things to do?" he snapped.

"But, Lion-O," began WilyKit.

"I don't want to hear another word," he said, holding up his hand for silence. "Liodella is in charge, Jagaro is her deputy and that's an end of it." He stalked away, rage gnawing at his insides, and, for the first time in a long time, did not stop to look back.

Continued

Continued

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